Obama talks climate change, the beauty of nature in Yosemite speech

President Obama speaks at Yosemite
(Image credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

President Obama spoke of environmental concerns and remedies in his Saturday speech to a small crowd of invited guests at Yosemite National Park.

"Climate change is no longer a threat; it is a reality," he said, touting conservation efforts of his administration. "As we look back over the last 100 years," Obama continued, referencing the National Park System's upcoming centennial anniversary, "there is plenty to celebrate about a national park system that is the envy of the world. But when we look to the next century, the next 100 years, the task of protecting our sacred spaces is even more important."

Obama also talked of Yosemite's natural beauty in glowing terms, enthusing, "You can’t view this on your iPad or a flat screen. You have to breathe this in yourself. It’s a park that captures the wonders of the world."

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